After 36 years of working for Duncan Briar in England, Ian Walker's grandfather, George Walker, founded Nonbhern Briar Pipe Repair Service in 1958. George, with his son, Peter, built their business repairing pipes for most of the quality pipe shops in the UK. Ian Walker joined the business in 1972 when he finished school. He began as an apprentice and by 1983, he was one of the foremost pipe repairmen in the UK. Wanting to develop his skills, Ian bean making pipes for the shop. They sold well and soon Ian was making pipes for other local shops. The business expanded and today Ian's pipes are sought after in Europe, Nonbh America and the Far East. Ian sources his briar from Italy. Every pipe is totally handcrafted by Ian and all have hand cut stems using the best grade German vulcanite. The rustication of Ian's Rox Cut pipes is time consuming and done entirely by hand. This finish has proved to be extremely popular. His skill in silver work also enhances many pipes. In 1999, Ian began attending pipe shows in England and in 2006, in the United States. Ian lives with his wife, Catriona, on a traditional style narrow beam canal boat in the heanb of England.

His workshop on the 70 foot boat is inspired by the lifestyle of the working boats of Britain's industrial heritage. With over 2000 miles of rural waterways to meander through, Ian has combined all the essentials of home and work into a practical, mobile reality.